The depletion others can't see (quick survey)

Hello Reader,
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They see your accomplishments. Your calendar. Your contributions. What they don't see is the quiet depletion happening beneath the surface.

It's a particular kind of exhaustion that doesn't show up in blood tests or sleep trackers. I call it hope depletion—and it's far more common than most people realize.

It's a subject of study for years now. However, in 2025 it's become far more relevant to millions. We've identified seven distinct profiles that appear across all walks of life. Behind the polished exteriors and productive days, people are experiencing a profound emptiness that rest alone can't fix. (Access the 30-second survey here.)​

Which of these seven hope-depleting situations resonates with your experience?

7 Profiles of Hope Depletion

Take a moment to read through these descriptions. See if you recognize yourself—or someone you care about:

1. 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 Everyone sees your generosity—but no one notices your empty reserves. You're always helping others while silently running on fumes.

2. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞-𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 Outwardly, you champion every new initiative. Inwardly, you're thinking, "Here we go again." The constant pivoting has worn your resilience thin.

3. 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 Your résumé shines. Your performance exceeds expectations. Yet privately, you're wondering if any of it matters. Success without meaning has left you empty.

4. 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐫 People see you as informed and engaged. What they don't see is how the constant absorption of negativity—news, noise, doomscrolling—is drowning your hope.

5. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝-𝐘𝐞𝐭-𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 Your calendar is full of interactions. Your devices buzz with notifications. Yet beneath this veneer of connection lies a profound loneliness that few recognize.

6. 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐧-𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 Others see your effort and dedication. What remains invisible is your growing frustration as you tread water, working hard but moving nowhere.

7. 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫 You maintain a practical exterior, but inside lives the memory of dreams that didn't materialize. The courage to hope again feels just out of reach.

Your Hidden Experience Matters

We're developing resources for these hidden challenges, and we need your feedback to target our efforts effectively.

✨ The survey takes less than a minute.
✨ You can select multiple profiles that resonate.
✨ Your response helps others who are silently experiencing the same things.

​➡️ Click here to share which profiles resonate with you​
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​Here's what I deeply believe: Once you name what's happening beneath the surface, you can begin to address it. And that's where hope restoration begins.

With gratitude for your honesty...and hope for your future,

Kevin

P.S. If someone in your circle seems to be experiencing one of these patterns, please forward this email. Sometimes just having language for our experience is the first step toward healing.

P.P.S. In the days leading up to the Cultivating Hope June Cohort, I'll share hope restoration practices for each profile. The journey back to hope is possible—and it begins with recognition. Here's where you can join the June Cohort if you're ready to reclaim hope. ​

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